If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed meal that can be whipped up on a weeknight, this Mongolian Beef and Noodle recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender ground beef with a rich, savory-sweet sauce and perfectly cooked linguini, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by the popular Mongolian beef found in Asian-American cuisine, this version swaps out sliced steak for ground beef—making it more affordable and faster to cook—without compromising on taste.

The sauce is the true star of this dish. With a base of dark soy sauce, hoisin, sesame oil, and brown sugar, it creates a delicious blend of salty, sweet, and umami notes. Chilli flakes add just the right amount of heat, while garlic and ginger bring depth and warmth. Tossed together with noodles and finished with green onions and sesame seeds, this meal is satisfying, well-balanced, and guaranteed to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and requires only a handful of pantry staples. It’s the ultimate combination of convenience and crave-worthy flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly – Ground beef is an affordable protein that delivers big flavor.
Pantry-Staple Ingredients – Most of the sauce and noodle ingredients are common household items.
Full of Bold Flavor – A perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and savory in every bite.
Family-Approved – A dish that both kids and adults will love, customizable to your heat level.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

Dark soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce)
Hoisin sauce
Beef broth (or beef stock)
Sesame oil
Brown sugar
Chilli flakes
Black pepper
Cornstarch

For the Pasta

Linguini
Salt

For the Ground Beef

Vegetable oil
Ground beef (90% lean preferred)
Garlic (minced or garlic paste)
Ginger (minced or ginger paste)
Green onions (or spring onions), chopped
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Variations

Use Different Noodles: Substitute linguini with rice noodles, udon, or spaghetti.
Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots for more color and nutrition.
Make It Spicier: Increase the chilli flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
Swap Proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free pasta.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguini until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, chilli flakes, black pepper, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger

Once the beef is nearly cooked, stir in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Pour in the Sauce

Add the prepared sauce to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened.

Step 6: Combine with Noodles

Add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Stir in chopped green onions and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook the pasta just until al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
Don’t overcook the garlic and ginger—burnt aromatics can turn bitter.
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Taste the sauce before adding to the beef—adjust sugar or spice as desired.
Use a large skillet or wok to give ingredients space for even cooking.

How to Serve

Serve hot, directly from the pan or in individual bowls. Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal. For added texture, top with crushed peanuts or crispy fried onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the beef and sauce mixture (without the noodles) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh noodles before serving.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water to refresh the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, spaghetti, ramen, or egg noodles work great.

2. Is this recipe spicy?

It has mild heat; adjust the chilli flakes to your preference.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger pan to ensure even cooking.

4. What kind of beef is best?

Ground beef with 90% lean meat is ideal for flavor and texture.

5. Can I use pre-minced garlic and ginger?

Yes, garlic and ginger paste save time and work well in this recipe.

6. How do I make it vegetarian?

Use crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

7. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, it’s a great way to reduce overall sodium without losing flavor.

8. What’s a good substitute for hoisin sauce?

You can use a mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey.

9. Will this meal keep well for lunchboxes?

Definitely! It reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.

10. Can I skip the sesame seeds?

Yes, they’re optional but add a nice crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Mongolian Beef and Noodles is the perfect fusion of convenience and bold flavor. With its savory-sweet sauce, tender ground beef, and satisfying noodles, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like takeout—only fresher and more affordable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe brings a touch of restaurant-style magic to your table with minimal effort. Try it once, and you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation in no time.